Suu Kyi seeks investors for Rakhine

MYANMAR leader Aung San Suu Kyi called for investment in the crisis-hit western state of Rakhine yesterday, saying the world had “focused narrowly on negative aspects” in the state from which some 730000 Rohingya Muslims have fled since 2017.

On a rare visit to Rakhine, Suu Kyi emphasised responsible business practices as she addressed an investment fair sponsored by Japan in Ngapali beach. She made a brief reference to the conflicts that have roiled areas to the north, including a fresh conflict with Rakhine rebels that has displaced more than 5000 since December.

“For too long the international community’s attention has been focused narrowly on negative aspects related to problems in north Rakhine rather than on the larger picture that shows the immense potential of this state for peace and development,” Suu Kyi said.

Her government recognised the “grave challenges” it faced in Rakhine and was doing its utmost to address them, she said.

The Nobel laureate has pledged to make Myanmar more investment-friendly as her government attempts to reverse a drop in foreign investment and tourism from the West since the Rohingya exodus sparked global outrage.

Myanmar officials will also brief investors in London next month at a conference organised by the British Chamber of Commerce in Myanmar.

A UN fact-finding mission last year said the 2017 military campaign that pushed out the Rohingya was orchestrated with “genocidal intent”. Myanmar denies allegations of mass killings and rape, and says its offensive was a legitimate response to an insurgent threat and that it is welcoming the refugees back. |

Aung San Suu Kyi